JP2023126743A - Item with magnetic strap and cable - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cable to be used for conveying data and power between electronic devices.SOLUTION: Cables are magnetically attracted to magnets in straps and other items such as electronic devices. The cables may contain signal lines to convey power and/or data. A magnetic material that is attracted to magnetic fields may be incorporated into the signal lines and/or other structures in the cables. The straps may have flexible magnets and/or other magnets extending along their lengths. The magnets of the straps create magnetic fields that attract the cables. Electronic devices may also have housings that contain magnets to attract the cables. Using magnetic attraction, cables can be removably attached to straps and other items during an operation of an electronic device, thereby helping to prevent tangling of the cables.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to cable systems for electronic devices.

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application has priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/210,106, filed on March 23, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,136, filed on May 8, 2020. , which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Cables can be used to transmit data and power between electronic devices. However, if care is not taken, cable systems can become cumbersome and difficult to use.

Cables may be used to electrically couple electronic devices. Electronic devices can include cell phones, computers, battery packs, battery cases, accessories, head-mounted devices, speakers, and/or other electronic equipment.

Cables can include signal lines that transmit power and/or data. For example, the cable may include a positive power wire and a ground power wire. Using these power lines, the cable can transfer power from a battery in a first device to input/output devices and other circuitry in a second device. Data lines within cables can be used to transmit audio, video, and/or other data between electronic devices.

The electronic device can have a strap. The strap may be a magnetic strap. Magnetic straps on electronic devices can attract cables, thereby helping to prevent cable tangling. The strap may have flexible magnets and/or other magnets extending along its length. The magnets in each magnetic strap generate a magnetic field that attracts magnetic material within the cable. The magnetic material within the cable may form part of one or more of the signal lines within the cable, and/or may be embedded in other structures such as polymer layers surrounding the core of the cable. good. If desired, the electronic device may also include a magnet to attract the cable.

To accommodate a variety of different users, the strap may include a buckle and/or other structure that allows the length of the strap to be adjusted.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device having a magnetic cable system, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic cable system having straps and cables, according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary article, such as an electronic device, according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary strap, according to one embodiment. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary round cable, according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary flat cable and associated strap, according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary article, such as a speaker, battery pack, or other electronic device configured to receive a cable for storage, according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device and associated removable case, according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary cable having portions with different cross-sectional profiles, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary strap with a buckle and self-attracting magnetic structure, according to one embodiment.

Electronic devices such as cell phones, head-mounted devices, computers, battery packs, headphones, and other devices may be interconnected using cables. For example, cables can be used to transmit power, audio and video data, control signals, and/or other signals.

A magnetic cable management system can be provided to prevent cables from unnecessarily tangling with themselves and other equipment. In exemplary configurations, the cable is magnetically attracted to a strap, part of an electronic device, or other structure. This prevents the cables from tangling or creating unsightly or inconvenient configurations when the cables are used.

An exemplary system with a magnetic strap and magnetic cable is shown in FIG. System 8 of FIG. 1 may include one or more articles, such as electronic device 10, and one or more associated cables, such as 14. Electronic device 10 may include a computer, a cell phone, a head-mounted device, a watch device, a battery pack, a removable electronic device case including an auxiliary battery, headphones and other accessories, speakers, wearable devices, and/or other electronic equipment. can include. A first device 10A (e.g., an article having an auxiliary battery, such as a cell phone, a battery pack, or a battery case) and a second device 10B (e.g., a pair of goggles, a helmet, eyeglasses, or a device on the user's head). A configuration of an electronic device 10 including a pair of devices, such as a head-mounted device (such as a head-mounted device) having a head-mounted housing that allows it to be mounted on a device, may be described herein by way of example. .

It may be desirable to transfer data and/or power between devices 10A and 10B. As an example, it may be desirable to provide battery power from device 10A to device 10B, thereby extending the battery life of a battery within device 10B, or to provide power to device 10B in a configuration where device 10B does not include an internal battery. There are cases. As another example, it may be desirable to provide data (eg, video and/or audio information) from device 10A to device 10B.

Devices 10 may be interconnected using one or more cables, such as cable 14. Connector 16 can be provided at one end or both ends of cable 14. Connector 16 may be used to mechanically and/or electrically couple the cable to device 10. Connectors 16 may include wired connectors (e.g., male and/or female connectors that mechanically and electrically engage mating connectors within device 10), and/or magnetic connectors or others that include wireless circuitry. (e.g., a connector containing an antenna and other radio communication circuitry for transmitting and/or receiving radio communication signals, and/or a connector containing one or more coils for radio transmit power and/or radio receive power) May include. A magnet and/or magnetic material within connector 16 may be used to magnetically attach connector 16 to a predetermined location on device 10. For example, a magnet in connector 16 can mate with a corresponding magnet in device 10. If desired, connector 16 is physically attached to the housing of one or more devices 10 (e.g., by pigtailing cable 14 to one or more devices 10 using a mating connector structure). can be combined with Cable 14 may include signal and power lines that transmit data and/or power between devices 10 via connectors 16 or other physical and/or electrical connections.

Device 10 can have a strap, such as strap 12. For example, device 10A can have a strap 12 (eg, a carrying strap) that allows device 10A to be carried in the user's hand and/or worn on the user's neck or shoulder. Device 10B can have straps 12 (e.g., head-mount straps) that fit around the user's head and thus function as part of the head-mount support structure of device 10B (e.g., straps and/or or other support structure to attach the device 10B to the user's head so that the user can use the device 10B to view virtual reality and/or mixed reality video content and/or listen to audio. ).

The straps 12 may have removable article attachment magnets (e.g., each strap may have article attachment magnets at each of its opposing ends and/or elsewhere within the strap). ). Strap 12 can be removably attached to article 10 using article attachment magnets and/or physical connectors (eg, snaps and/or other interlocking structures). If desired, one or both ends of each strap 12 may be permanently (or nearly permanently) attached to the housing of one or more articles 10. For example, a strap attached to device 10B may be attached to the housing of device 10B without the use of magnets by threading the strap through an opening in the housing of device 10B.

If desired, the article attachment magnets (and/or other magnetic structures within the strap 12 and associated structures) may be attached to flexible magnets (e.g., on other straps, on other portions of the common strap, and/or on other magnetic structures within the strap 12 and associated structures). or a flexible magnet that attracts a corresponding flexible magnet on the associated article 10). While the discrete magnet-to-flexible magnet arrangement also increases the magnetic force compared to a flexible magnet-to-flexible magnet connection (e.g., (to avoid sensory risks) may be used for article attachment magnetic structures and other structures.

Cable 14 and strap 12 are configured to magnetically attract each other to help hold cable 14 in place so that cable 14 does not become entangled with strap 12 and/or other structures. be able to. By providing the cable 14 and strap 12 with a magnetic attraction feature (e.g., by providing the cable 14 and/or the strap 12 with a permanent magnet and/or magnetic material that is attracted to the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet). 14 may be removably attached to strap 12. In an exemplary configuration, device 10A may be worn by the user (eg, around the user's neck or shoulder) while device 10B is worn on the user's head. In this configuration, the user's view of the surrounding environment may be limited as the user is using device 10B (as an example), making it difficult for the user to manage cable 14. Nevertheless, the magnetic attraction between cable 14 and strap 12 may hold cable 14 in place relative to the strap of device 10A, such that cable 14 moves from the user's waist to the user's head. can extend to a location adjacent to the . At the user's head, cable 14 can transition from the strap of device 10A to the strap of device 10B. The magnetic attraction between cable 14 and the strap of device 10B may help hold cable 14 in place as the user's head moves and device 10B moves accordingly.

Strap 12 can have any desired shape. For example, strap 12 may be circular in cross-sectional shape, may have an elliptical cross-sectional profile, or may have a rectangular cross-sectional profile. In the exemplary configuration, strap 12 is relatively flat. A flat strap, sometimes referred to as a flat strap, may have a thin rectangular cross-sectional shape that can lie flat against the user's body, which means that the strap 12 is worn against the user's body. This helps improve user comfort when

An exemplary flat strap is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, cable 14 may be magnetically attracted to strap 12. If the user applies sufficient force (e.g., when the user pulls the cable 14 away from the strap 12 and/or when the cable 14 moves between adjacent straps 12), the cable 14 can be removed from the strap 12. can. In other positions, magnetic attraction between cable 14 and strap 12 removably attaches cable 14 to strap 12. To assist the central cable 14 on the strap 12, a thin strip of magnet (e.g., a magnetic strip having a width narrower than the width of the strap 12) may extend along the dashed line 18 in the center of the strap 12. Alternatively, the strap 12 may be provided with a groove extending along the dashed line 18. Cable 14 may have a cross-sectional shape that is received within the groove (as an example). Generally, cable 14 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular (flat) cross-sectional shape, and/or other shapes. Configurations in which cable 14 is circular or flat may be described herein as examples.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device of the type that can be used with cable 14 (eg, device 10A and/or device 10B of FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, an electronic device such as electronic device 10 can have a control circuit 20. As shown in FIG. Control circuitry 20 may include storage and processing circuitry that controls the operation of device 10. Circuit 20 can include hard disk drive storage, non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory configured to form a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), ) can include storage such as The processing circuitry of control circuit 20 may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio chips, graphics processing units, application specific integrated circuits, and other integrated circuits. be able to. Software code is stored on storage within circuit 20 and executed on processing circuitry within circuit 20 to perform control operations of device 10 (e.g., data collection operations, adjustment of components of device 10 using control signals). (e.g., actions including). Control circuit 20 can include a wired communication circuit and a wireless communication circuit. For example, control circuit 20 may include wireless transceiver circuits such as cell phone transceiver circuits, wireless local area network transceiver circuits (WiFi® circuits), millimeter wave transceiver circuits, and/or other wireless communication circuits. can include.

In operation, the communication circuitry of the devices in system 8 of FIG. 1 (eg, the communication circuitry of control circuitry 20 of device 10) may be used to support communication between electronic devices. For example, one electronic device may transmit video data, audio data, and/or other data to another electronic device within system 8. Electronic devices within system 8 communicate via cable 14 and/or via one or more communication networks (e.g., the Internet, local area network, etc.) using wired and/or wireless communication circuitry. be able to. Communication circuits are used to transfer data from external equipment (e.g., tethered computers, portable devices such as handheld or laptop computers, online computing equipment such as remote servers or other remote computing equipment, or other electrical equipment). may be capable of being received by device 10 and/or providing data to external equipment. In addition to, or instead of, transmitting data between devices 10, cable 14 can be used to transmit power between devices 10.

Device 10 may include input/output devices 22 . Input/output device 22 may be used to allow a user to provide user input to device 10. Input/output device 22 may also be used to collect information about the environment in which device 10 is operating. Output components within device 22 may enable device 10 to provide output to a user and may be used to communicate with external electrical equipment.

In some embodiments, input/output device 22 may include one or more displays. In other embodiments, device 10 may be a displayless device that does not include any display. In configurations where device 10 includes a display (eg, if device 10B of FIG. 1 is a head-mounted device), device 10 may include left and right display devices. The device 10 may be a left and right scanning mirror display device or other image projector, a liquid crystal-on-silicon display device, a digital mirror device, or other reflective display device, a left and right scanning mirror display device based on a light emitting diode pixel array, such as an organic light emitting display panel. display panels or display devices based on pixel arrays formed from crystalline semiconductor light emitting diode dies, liquid crystal display panels, and/or other devices that provide images to the left and right eye boxes for viewing by the user's left and right eyes, respectively. Left and right display components may be included, such as left and right display devices.

Input/output device 22 may include a sensor. Sensors within device 22 may include, for example, a three-dimensional sensor (e.g., for illuminating a light beam and using a two-dimensional digital image sensor to generate a three-dimensional image from a light spot generated when a target is illuminated by the light beam). Three-dimensional image sensors such as structured light sensors that collect image data for images, binocular three-dimensional image sensors that collect three-dimensional images using two or more cameras in a binocular imaging configuration, three-dimensional lidar ( light detection and ranging) sensors, three-dimensional radio frequency sensors, or other sensors that collect three-dimensional image data), cameras (e.g., infrared and/or visible digital image sensors), eye-tracking sensors (e.g., image sensors). eye-tracking systems based on eye-tracking systems, and, if desired, light sources that emit one or more light beams that are tracked using image sensors after reflection from the user's eyes), touch sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, light-based Sensors such as (optical) proximity sensors, other proximity sensors, force sensors, switch-based contact sensors, gas sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic sensors, ambient light sensors, audio sensors (including voice commands and other audio inputs) an inertial measurement unit that includes all or a subset of one or two of these sensors; ) and/or other sensors.

User input and other information may be collected using sensors and other input devices within input/output device 22. If desired, input/output devices 22 may include tactile output devices (e.g., vibrating components), light emitting diodes and other light sources, speakers and other speakers such as ear speakers that produce audio output, joysticks, buttons and/or Other components may be included. If desired, device 10 can include a battery, such as battery 24. Battery 24 may be used for power supply circuitry within device 10 and/or may be used to provide supplemental battery power to other devices 10 (e.g., if device 10A is 10B battery pack, battery case, etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, device 10 (and/or cable 14) may include wireless power circuitry 26. As shown in FIG. Circuitry 26 may include a wireless power coil and/or other circuitry that receives and/or transmits wireless power. If desired, the connector 16 at one or both ends of the cable 14 can connect to a corresponding wireless connection of one or more devices 10 (e.g., so that power can be transferred wirelessly between the device 10 and the connector 16). There may be circuitry such as circuitry 26 that handles wireless power transfer operations with power circuitry 26.

Electronic device 10 may have support structures (eg, housing walls, straps, etc.). In configurations where electronic device 10 is a head-mounted device (e.g., glasses, goggles, helmet, hat, etc.), the support structure may include a head-mounted support structure (e.g., a helmet housing, a head strap, a temple of glasses, a goggle housing, etc.). body structures, and/or other head-mounted structures). As an example, the head-mounted support structure of device 10B may have an associated strap 12, as shown in FIG. A head-mounted support structure (e.g., a head-mounted housing, etc.) can be configured to be worn on the user's head during operation of the device 10, and includes displays, sensors, other input/output devices 22, controls, etc. Circuits such as circuit 20 can be supported. In some configurations, device 10 may include only a subset of the components of FIG. 3 (e.g., device 10 may include battery 24 but may not include wireless power circuit 26, input/output device 22 and/or others may include other subsets of the components of FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary flat strap. As shown in FIG. 4, the strap 12 includes a magnetic structure (e.g., see magnet 34) extending along some or all of the length of the strap 12 (e.g., within the page in the orientation of FIG. 4). can have. The magnetic structure may be a continuous band-like member or may have discrete segments. One or more magnets (e.g., a series of discrete permanent magnets separated by gaps or mounted directly adjacent to each other) can be used to form a magnetic structure and/or magnetized Magnetic materials can be used to form continuous or semi-continuous flexible strip-like magnetic structures.

Examples of magnetic materials that can be magnetized to form the strip-like magnetic structure of strap 12 include polymers (e.g., silicone, thermoplastics, etc.) with embedded magnetic particles (e.g., sintered magnetic particles, such as particles of NdFeB). or other suitable magnetic material that is magnetized to form a flexible permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can generate a magnetic field that attracts the cable 14 to a position, such as position 14' in FIG. 4.

Cable 14 can have structure that is attracted to strap 12. For example, cable 14 may include one or more flexible and/or rigid permanent magnets (e.g., magnets that attract corresponding magnets in strap 12 and/or magnets that attract non-magnetized magnetic material in strap 12). May have. In an exemplary configuration, which may be described by way of example herein, strap 12 includes one or more permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field, and cable 14 is not permanently magnetized, but magnets ( a magnetic material that is magnetically attracted toward a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field (single or plural). The magnetic material within cable 14 may be formed from magnetic particles embedded in an elastomeric polymer such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other flexible material, and/or contain iron or other magnetic material. It may also be formed from steel wire or other structure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the strap 12 may have one or more layers of structure forming the body of the strap 12. These layers may include internal member 38, for example. The member 38 can be made of a polymer, fabric, leather, bonded leather (e.g., a piece of leather such as a piece of scrap leather) and/or bonded together with fibers of paper, polymer, and/or other materials using a polymer binder. It may also be a band-like elongate member formed from a flexible material such as leather fibers or other flexible elongate members. Member 38 includes upper and lower elongated planes of material that are bonded together to surround and support magnet 34 using adhesive 40 or other attachment mechanisms (e.g., fiber stitches, welds, fasteners, etc.). Stripes can be fitted. If desired, optional reinforcements, such as reinforcement 36, may be incorporated into strap 12 (eg, adjacent magnet 34). Reinforcement 36 may be formed from a flexible polymer having a higher modulus than the polymer (as one example) or other flexible material used in forming layer 38. One or more additional layers of material may be used to provide an optional outer covering to the strap 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, strap 12 has mating upper and lower outer layers 30. In the embodiment of FIG. Layer 30 may form a decorative exterior portion of strap 12 surrounding layer 38 and magnet 34, and may be formed from a material such as leather, bonded leather, fabric, polymer, or the like. Layers 30 may be sewn together along their edges using stitches 32 and/or using fasteners, adhesives, welding, and/or other attachment mechanisms, if desired. and may be attached along their edges. If desired, an adhesive may be used to help attach layer 30 to layer 38.

One or more layers of strap 12 may include a longitudinal recess for receiving cable 14. By way of example, the top layer of layer 30 may be located at position 30' with grooves such as grooves 30G' for receiving and guiding cable 14 (e.g., to help hold cable 14 in position 14'). may be provided. For flat straps, the ratio of strap width (horizontal dimension of strap 12 in FIG. 4) to strap thickness (vertical dimension of strap 12 in FIG. 4) is generally at least 4, at least 8, at least 15, less than 100, 40 or other suitable value. If desired, strap 12 may have other shapes (eg, circular, other shapes with opposing non-planar surfaces, etc.). The example of FIG. 4 is illustrative.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable 14. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 5, cable 14 has a conductive core surrounded by additional layers. Generally, there may be one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, less than 10, less than 7, or other suitable number of layers surrounding the core of cable 14. The core and each layer surrounding the core may include an electrically conductive material (e.g., to transmit power and/or data signals) and may include a dielectric (e.g., to insulate the electrically conductive material); and/or may include magnetic materials (e.g., materials that are attracted to the magnetic field generated by strap 12 or by other equipment within device 10 and/or system 8 with magnets).

In the example of FIG. 5, the core of cable 14 includes multiple strands of material, such as strands 50. In the embodiment of FIG. Each of the strands 50 may include a single filament, or the strands 50 may be multifilament strands. The strands 50 may be electrically conductive (e.g., a strand of metal forming a metal wire), and/or magnetic (e.g., the strands are attracted to a magnetic field and receive data and/or electrical power, such as a positive power signal and/or a ground power signal). (can be formed from iron or other magnetic materials that are also optionally conductive to carry signals). Strand 50 may be bare or insulated.

In the exemplary configuration, strands 50, sometimes referred to as signal lines or signal paths, are insulated (e.g., with a polymer coating) and carry one or more respective positive power supply voltages and carry a ground supply voltage. , and/or carry data signals. at least two, at least five, at least ten, less than eight, less than four, less than three, or other suitable number of power lines formed from each strand 50; and at least two, at least five, There may be at least 10, less than 8, less than 4, less than 3, or any other suitable number of data lines. If desired, other structures within cable 14 (e.g., one or more layers surrounding the core of cable 14) may be formed from electrically conductive materials, including a ground wire, a positive power wire, and /or can function as a data line.

In the configuration of FIG. 5, a core formed from strands 50 is surrounded by a layer 52. Layer 52 can be a layer of polymer tape wrapped in a helical pattern around strand 50 or other dielectric layer (eg, an extruded polymer layer) that helps insulate strand 50.

Layer 54 may be a reinforcing layer formed from braided strands of material. The braided strands may be, for example, polymeric and/or steel (eg, layer 54 may form a braided steel jacket with wires comprising magnetic material such as iron). Layer 54 may form an electrically conductive material (eg, to form a ground or electromagnetic shield). To ensure low resistance for layer 54, low resistance wires such as copper wires are intertwined with other strand materials (e.g. steel wires or other wires with higher resistance than the low resistance wires) and/or Or they can be interwoven. If desired, a configuration in which electroformed copper with magnetic material or electroformed magnetic material with copper may be used to form layer 54 may be used.

An insulating layer, such as layer 56, can surround layer 54. Layer 56 may be formed from a flexible material such as an elastomeric polymer (eg, thermoplastic polyurethane or silicone). Optional magnetic particles 58 (e.g., rare earth magnetic particles such as neodymium iron boron particles, or other particles of magnetic material) are embedded within layer 56 (e.g., within the polymer of layer 56) and are attracted to the magnetic field. The cable 14 serves to provide the cable 14 with a magnetic material that can be used. The magnetic material, such as the particles 58, may be different from the magnetic material in other portions of the cable 14 (e.g., the magnetic material in one or more lands (wires) of the strands (wires) 50, the magnetic materials and/or layers in the wires. 54 and/or magnetic materials in other layers).

An optional outer layer for the cable 14, such as outer layer 60, may be provided to help improve the wear characteristics and appearance of the cable 14. Layer 60 may be a braided layer, such as a braided fabric formed from polyethylene terephthalate strands (eg, a circular braid), and/or may include an extruded polymer tube, by way of example. The use of outer layer 60 allows insulating layer 56 to be formed from a soft polymer that improves the bendability of cable 14.

Magnetic materials can be incorporated into any one or more of the structures of cable 14. For example, one or more of the strands 50 may include a magnetic material (e.g., iron wire, a polymer coating with embedded magnetic material particles), and one or more layers on the strands 50 (e.g., wrapped (layers formed from extruded polymeric tapes, extruded polymeric tubes, textile layers, etc.) may also include magnetic materials (eg, particles of magnetic material embedded within the polymer, etc.).

Cable 14 may be circular (eg, cable 14 may have a circular cross-sectional profile), or may be flat, or may have other shapes. An exemplary flat cable is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the cable 14 may be attracted to the magnet 34 within the strap 12 so that the cable 14 lies flat on the corresponding flat outer surface of the strap 12. A flat cable, such as flat cable 14 of FIG. 6, may have two or more flat conductors 64 (e.g., at least 2, at least 4, at least 8, less than 10, or any other suitable number). and/or may have conductors of other shapes (eg, circular wires, etc.). The conductive strip, such as conductor 64, may be a metal (e.g., a metal foil strip, a metal cloth such as a braided metal or other interwoven metal strands, a double helix of wrapped thin metal wire (e.g., non-woven wire) , etc.) and/or other conductive materials. Conductors 64 can form signal lines for power and/or data signals and are insulated by one or more dielectric layers (e.g., layers formed from elastomeric polymers and/or other dielectrics). obtain. The structure of electrical conductor 64 and the other layers of cable 14 of FIG. particles).

If desired, device 10 may include permanent magnets (e.g., discrete magnets, patches or strips of flexible magnetic material with magnetic particles embedded in a polymer, extending beneath part or all of the housing of device 10). magnetic material, etc.). This allows the cable 14 to be attracted to and stored on the surface of the device 10.

An exemplary configuration of device 10 in which device 10 includes a magnet that generates a magnetic field that attracts cable 14 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, the housing of device 10 has a curved surface (eg, a housing wall with a curved cross-sectional profile). The device 10 may have a cylindrical portion, by way of example (e.g., the device 10 may include a cylindrical voice-controlled speaker, a cylindrical battery pack, a removable battery case for a device with a cylindrical portion), as an example. , and/or other electronic device having a suitable housing surface for attracting the cable 14). Inclusion of a magnet under the housing of device 10 of FIG. 7 allows device 10 to generate a magnetic field that attracts and holds cable 14 in place (e.g., cable 14 is may be wrapped around the device 10 or held against the surface of the device 10 along a path, such as the exemplary path 14'' of the device 10.

Electronic device 10 may include a removable carrying case, such as a battery case. As an example, device 10A of FIG. 1 may be a removable carrying case configured to receive device 10B of FIG. 1 for storage. An exemplary configuration of this type is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, device 10A is a removable battery case that stores device 10B when it is not worn on the user's head or is otherwise being used by the user. It's okay. Battery 24 of device 10A may provide battery power to device 10B to recharge the battery within device 10B and/or power other circuitry within device 10B. When device 10B is housed inside device 10A as shown in FIG. 8, battery 24 can power device 10B via a wired or wireless power connection inside device 10A. When device 10B is used external to device 10A, cable 14 may be used to transmit power between battery 24 and device 10B. As shown in FIG. 8, device 10A may be carried by strap 12. Strap 12 may be attached to device 10A using magnets 71 in strap 12 and corresponding magnets 70 in device 10A, and/or using snaps or other mating attachment structures. If desired, the device 10A (auxiliary battery pack, removable battery case, or other device) can be held in the user's hand or carried in the user's clothing pocket, and the cable 14 can be used to couple device 10A to device 10B (eg, while device 10B is worn on the user's head), and one or all of straps 12 can be omitted. Therefore, device 10B and device 10A can be used with or without strap 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, cable 14 may have different shapes and/or sizes along its length. In the example of FIG. 9, portion 14-1 and portion 14-2 have different cross-sectional profiles. For example, portion 14-1 may be a flat cable segment having a thin rectangular cross-sectional shape (see, e.g., flat cable 14 in FIG. 6), and portion 14-2 may be a round cable segment (e.g., see flat cable 14 in FIG. 5). (see round cable 14).

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of strap 12 in an exemplary configuration where the two ends of strap 12 are joined by a buckle. As shown in FIG. 10, buckle 72 may help hold the top of strap 12 in place relative to the bottom of strap 12. In a magnetic configuration of the strap 12, the magnets of the strap 12 may serve to hold the free end 12E of the strap 12 against an adjacent portion of the strap 12.

As mentioned above, one aspect of the present technology is the collection and use of information, such as information from input/output devices. This disclosure provides that, in some instances, data that includes personal information that uniquely identifies a particular person or that can be used to contact or locate a particular person may be collected. I have come up with this. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone number, email address, Twitter ID, physical address, data regarding your health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information). or may include records, birthdays, usernames, passwords, biometric information, or any other identifying or personal information.

This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information in the present technology may be a use to the benefit of the user. For example, personal information data may be used to deliver targeted content that is more interesting to the user. The use of such personal information data therefore allows users to exercise calculated control over the content that is distributed. Additionally, other uses for personal information data that benefit users are also envisioned by this disclosure. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insight into a user's overall wellness, or provide proactive feedback to individuals using technology in pursuit of wellness goals. It can also be used as feedback.

This disclosure contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal information data will adhere to robust privacy policies and/or practices. Specifically, such entity shall implement privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining personal information data in the strictest confidence. and should be used consistently. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and updated as data collection and/or use changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the lawful and legitimate use of that entity and should not be shared or sold except for those lawful uses. Moreover, such collection/sharing should be performed after informing the users and obtaining their consent. Further, such entities shall protect and secure access to such Personal Information Data and ensure that others with access to such Personal Information Data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. Consideration should be given to taking all necessary steps to ensure that Additionally, such entities may submit themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be tailored to the specific types of personal information data collected and/or accessed, and be consistent with applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. should be adapted. For example, in the United States, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations. and policy and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively prevents use of or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the technology may be configured to allow users to elect to "opt in" or "opt out" of participating in personal information data collection during registration for the Service or at any time thereafter. . In another example, a user may choose not to provide certain types of user data. In yet another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that user-specific data is maintained. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure contemplates providing notices regarding access or use of personal information. For example, the user may be notified upon downloading an application (“app”) that will access the user's personal information data, and then reminded the user again just before the personal information data is accessed by the app.

Furthermore, it is the intent of this disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data when it is no longer needed. Additionally, data de-identification may be used to protect user privacy in certain health-related applications, where applicable. De-identification includes, where appropriate, removing certain identifiers (e.g. date of birth), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g. storing location data at city rather than address level). (e.g., by aggregating data across users), and/or by other methods.

Therefore, although this disclosure broadly covers the use of information, which may include personal information data, to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, this disclosure also covers the use of information that may include personal information data. It is contemplated that it is also possible to implement these various embodiments without requiring access to data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or part of such personal information data.

Physical environment: Physical environment refers to the physical world in which people can sense and/or interact without the aid of electronic systems. A physical environment, such as a physical park, includes physical objects such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and/or interact with their physical environment, such as through sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

Computer-generated reality: In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a fully or partially imitated environment in which people sense and/or interact via electronic systems. In CGR, a subset of a person's bodily movements or their representation is tracked and, accordingly, one or more properties of one or more virtual objects simulated within the CGR environment are determined by at least one law of physics. adjusted to behave. For example, a CGR system detects the rotation of a person's head and changes the graphic content and sound field presented to the person accordingly, just as such views and sounds may change in the physical environment. Can be adjusted. In some situations (e.g., for reasons of accessibility), adjustments to the property(s) of the virtual object(s) in the CGR environment may be made in response to expressions of body movement (e.g., voice commands). It's okay. A person may sense and/or interact with a CGR object using any one of these senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person can sense and/or interact with audio objects that create a 3D or spatially expansive audio environment that provides the perception of a point source in 3D space. In another example, an audio object may enable audio transparency that selectively incorporates ambient sounds from the physical environment, with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person can only sense and/or interact with audio objects. Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

Virtual Reality: A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a mimetic environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input for one or more senses. A VR environment includes multiple virtual objects that a person can sense and/or interact with. For example, computer-generated images of avatars representing trees, buildings, and people are examples of virtual objects. A person can sense and/or interact with virtual objects in a VR environment through simulation of the person's presence within the computer-generated environment and/or through simulation of a subset of the person's physical movements within the computer-generated environment. can act.

Mixed reality: Mixed reality (MR) environments are environments that in addition to containing computer-generated sensory input (e.g., virtual objects), in contrast to VR environments, which are designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input. , refers to a mimetic environment designed to incorporate sensory input from, or representations of, the physical environment. On the virtual continuum, a mixed reality environment is anywhere between, but not including, the complete physical environment at one end and the virtual reality environment at the other end. In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory input may be responsive to changes in sensory input from the physical environment. Some electronic systems for presenting MR environments also use physical The location and/or orientation relative to the target environment can be tracked. For example, the system can account for movement so that the virtual tree appears stationary relative to the physical ground. Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtualization. Augmented Reality: An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a mimetic environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed on a physical environment or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display that allows a person to directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on a transparent or translucent display, such that a person uses the system to perceive virtual objects superimposed on a physical environment. Alternatively, the system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or video of the physical environment that are representations of the physical environment. The system composites images or videos with virtual objects and presents the composite on an opaque display. A person uses the system to view the physical environment indirectly through images or videos of the physical environment and perceive virtual objects superimposed on the physical environment. As used herein, video of the physical environment shown on an opaque display is referred to as "pass-through video," in which the system uses one or more imaging sensor(s) to It refers to capturing images of the environment and using those images in presenting the AR environment on an opaque display. Further alternatively, the system may include a projection system that projects the virtual object into the physical environment, for example as a hologram or onto a physical surface, so that a person can use the system to: Perceiving virtual objects superimposed on the physical environment. Augmented reality environment also refers to a simulated environment in which a representation of the physical environment is transformed by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing pass-through video, the system transforms one or more sensor images to impose an imposition with a selected perspective (e.g., a viewpoint) that is different from the perspective captured by the imaging sensor. be able to. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., enlarging) a portion of it, thereby making the modified portion representative of the original captured image but non-photorealistic. version. As a further example, a representation of the physical environment may be transformed by graphically removing or obfuscating portions thereof. Augmented Virtual: An augmented virtual (AV) environment refers to a mimetic environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. Sensory input may be a representation of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but people with faces are realistically recreated from images taken of physical people. As another example, a virtual object may adopt the shape or color of a physical item imaged by one or more imaging sensors. As a further example, a virtual object may adopt a shadow that matches the position of the sun in the physical environment.

Hardware: Many different types of electronic systems exist that allow a person to sense and/or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head-mounted systems, projection-based systems, heads-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields with integrated display capabilities, windows with integrated display capabilities, human Displays formed as lenses designed to be placed on the eyes of children, headphones/earbuds, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smartphones. , tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. The head-mounted system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, the head-mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (eg, a smartphone). A head-mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors to capture images or video of the physical environment, and/or one or more microphones to capture audio of the physical environment. Rather than an opaque display, head-mounted systems may have transparent or translucent displays. A transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representing an image is directed to the human eye. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLED, LED, uLED, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a holographic medium, an optical coupler, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent display may be configured to be selectively opaque. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection technology to project graphic images onto the human retina. The projection system may also be configured to project virtual objects into the physical environment, for example as holograms or onto physical surfaces.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device strap configured to couple to an electronic device and configured to magnetically attract a cable is provided, the electronic device strap being formed from magnetic particles embedded in a polymer. an elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet, first and second layers on both sides of the elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet configured to surround the elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet, and adjacent to the first layer; a third layer adjacent to the second layer, the third and fourth layers having attached edges; It is configured to surround an elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet.

According to another embodiment, the first and second layers include a polymer with embedded fibers and are attached with an adhesive, and the third and fourth layers are combined with the first and second layers. are made of different materials.

According to another embodiment, the embedded fibers include leather fibers and the material of which the third and fourth layers are formed includes a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, leather, and fabrics. .

According to another embodiment, the third and fourth layers include leather.

According to another embodiment, the third layer has a groove configured to removably receive a cable.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a head-mounted device and the electronic device strap includes a strip of reinforcement extending along an elongated strip of flexible magnet.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device strap includes a magnet configured to attach the electronic device strap to the electronic device.

According to another embodiment, the first and second layers include bonded leather.

According to another embodiment, the magnetic particles include neodymium iron boron.

According to one embodiment, the first end is configured to couple to a first electronic device and the second end is configured to couple to a second electronic device; A cable that transmits power between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, the cable configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet, and configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet. A cable is provided, comprising a core having a conductive wire configured to transmit a signal between the core and a polymer layer surrounding the core with embedded particles of magnetic material configured to be attracted to a magnetic field. be done.

According to another embodiment, the cable includes a braided wire jacket surrounding the core.

According to another embodiment, the braided wire jacket includes steel wire and copper wire.

According to another embodiment, the polymer comprises an elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane.

According to another embodiment, the conductive wire includes a wire formed from a magnetic material.

According to another embodiment, the magnetic material of the wire comprises iron.

According to another embodiment, the first electronic device includes a battery, the second device includes a head-mounted device having a strap configured to magnetically attract the cable, and the conductive wire extends from the battery. Contains power lines that transmit power to head-mounted devices.

According to one embodiment, a magnetic strap includes a housing, an input/output device within the housing, and an elongate flexible magnet coupled to the housing and configured to attract a removable cable including a power line. and an input/output device configured to receive power via a power line of the detachable cable while the detachable cable is attracted to the magnetic strap.

According to another embodiment, the elongate flexible magnet includes a polymer embedded with magnetic particles.

According to another embodiment, the input/output device includes a display.

According to another embodiment, the housing includes a head-mounted housing and the input/output device is configured to receive power from a battery within the external device via a power line of the removable cable.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device strap configured to couple to an electronic device and configured to magnetically attract a cable that includes first and second elongate layers, the first a series of discrete permanent magnets between the elongate layer and the second elongate layer and extending along the first and second elongate layers; a third layer adjacent the first layer; a fourth layer adjacent to the layer of the electronic device strap, the third and fourth layers having attached edges, the first and second layers and a series of discrete permanent It is configured to surround the magnet.

According to another embodiment, the third and fourth layers include leather.

According to another embodiment, the first and second elongate layers include bonded leather.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device strap includes a magnet configured to attach the electronic device strap to the electronic device.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a head-mounted device and the electronic device strap includes a strip of reinforcement extending along the first and second elongated layers.

The foregoing is merely illustrative, and various changes may be made to the described embodiments. The aforementioned embodiments can be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims (20)

An electronic device strap configured to couple to an electronic device and configured to magnetically attract a cable, the strap comprising:
an elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet formed from magnetic particles embedded in a polymer;
first and second layers on both sides of the elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet configured to surround the elongated strip-shaped flexible magnet;
a third layer adjacent to the first layer;
a fourth layer adjacent to the second layer, wherein the third and fourth layers have attached edges and are attached to the first and second layers and the elongated strip-shaped flexible layer; a fourth layer configured to surround a flexible magnet. the first and second layers include a polymer with embedded fibers and are attached with an adhesive, and the third and fourth layers are from a different material than the first and second layers. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the electronic device strap is formed. 3. The embedded fibers include leather fibers, and the material from which the third and fourth layers are formed includes a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, leather, and fabrics. electronic device strap. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth layers include leather. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the third layer has a groove configured to removably receive the cable. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes a head-mounted device, and the electronic device strap further includes a strip of reinforcement extending along the elongated strip of flexible magnet. The electronic device strap of claim 1, further comprising a magnet configured to attach the electronic device strap to the electronic device. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the first and second layers include bonded leather. The electronic device strap of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particles include neodymium iron boron. a first end configured to couple to a first electronic device; and a second end configured to couple to a second electronic device; A cable for transmitting power to and from the second electronic device, the cable configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet, the cable comprising:
a core having a conductive line configured to transmit signals between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
a polymer layer surrounding said core having embedded particles of magnetic material configured to be attracted to a magnetic field. 11. The cable of claim 10, further comprising a braided wire jacket surrounding the core. 12. The cable of claim 11, wherein the braided wire jacket includes steel wire and copper wire. 11. The cable of claim 10, wherein the polymer layer comprises an elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane. 11. The cable of claim 10, wherein the conductive wire comprises a wire formed from a magnetic material. 15. The cable of claim 14, wherein the magnetic material of the wire comprises iron. The first electronic device includes a battery, the second electronic device includes a head-mounted device having a strap configured to magnetically attract the cable, and the conductive wire connects the battery to the head. 11. The cable of claim 10, including a power line that transmits power to the mounting device. An electronic device,
A casing and
an input/output device within the housing;
a magnetic strap coupled to the housing and including an elongate flexible magnet configured to attract a removable cable including a power line, the removable cable being attracted to the magnetic strap; a magnetic strap, between which the input/output device is configured to receive power via the power line of the removable cable. 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the elongate flexible magnet comprises a polymer embedded with magnetic particles. 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the input/output device includes a display. 20. The input/output device is configured to receive power from a battery within an external device via the power line of the removable cable. electronic devices.

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